Heat pumps are highly efficient and can both heat and cool your home, but you might not get all the benefits if your house is poorly insulated.
For the average homeowner on Long Island, the home’s insulation value will be the most significant deciding factor when comparing a heat pump to a traditional HVAC system. Let’s break down the details so you can get the best solution for your budget.
When to Not Use a Heat Pump on Long Island?
There are several scenarios where a heat pump won’t work well:
- Your Home Lacks Insulation: If your home has poor insulation, extremely large windows, and wide-open interior spaces, then a heat pump might not be able to effectively cool and heat your home.
- You Have Leaky or Poor-Quality Ductwork: If your existing ductwork requires extensive repairs or modifications, then a new heat pump might become cost-prohibitive.
- Your Home Gets Unusually Humid in Summer: While heat pumps can effectively remove humidity in the average home, if you have excessive humidity levels due to location or home design and construction materials, then you might be better served by a traditional air conditioner with a dehumidifier.
- Your Home Has a Boiler System: If your home already has a boiler system with radiant heating, then it might be more affordable to maintain and replace this system when necessary.
While these problems can be overcome by properly sizing a heat pump and making home modifications, the ultimate challenge is cost. The upfront cost of installing a heat pump could be significantly higher if you need to add home insulation or modify your ductwork.
There are costs and benefits to every type of HVAC system. Putting these into perspective is the responsibility of your HVAC installer. Soundview HVAC has served Suffolk County since 2000 and conducts detailed evaluations and load calculations for every new installation or system upgrade. We will look at your unique scenario and present options so you can understand the initial and long-term operating costs of a heat pump vs. a traditional AC and furnace system.
Soundview HVAC can install a range of heating and cooling systems from mini-split heat pumps to central furnaces and air conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Heat Pumps Work in Extreme Cold?
Cold-weather heat pumps can work in extreme cold. Long Island’s climate is humid subtropical. Although winters can feel extreme, the region is well-suited to electric and ground-source heat pumps.
Is it Cheaper to Run an AC or a Heat Pump?
An appropriately sized heat pump is more efficient than a traditional AC and furnace for both heating and cooling. (Your home must be well-insulated to realize the long-term cost benefits of running a heat pump.)
Ask Long Island’s Best HVAC Installers About Home Heating and Cooling Options
Heat pumps are cost and energy-efficient for many homes on Long Island, but they aren’t always the perfect solution. Factors like insulation, ductwork, and even the local microclimate will determine which type of heating and cooling is right for you.
You can talk to a home comfort specialist today for expert advice and data-backed solutions. Soundview HVAC will ensure that you get the most efficient heating and cooling system for your money.
